While a complete longboard for under $100 might seem appealing, the reality is that most of those boards have production costs closer to $50. You’re actually better off buying a quality deck and trucks separately and opting for budget-friendly options on the other components. This approach allows you to get a high-quality setup without breaking the bank. This guide will break down how to do just that, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
Finding Great Longboard Decks Under $100
Below, I’ll highlight a selection of longboard decks, all available with griptape, that you can pair with affordable undercarriage options. These undercarriages contain everything you need—nuts, bolts, wheels, bearings, and a set of quality trucks. All that’s missing is a skate tool to put it all together. Buying the deck and undercarriage separately in this way often provides better value than buying a complete longboard.
Most of my choices below usually retail for $120 – $170, but you can get them for much less by buying them in parts. This is because we will sacrifice the quality of the wheels and that is where we will save money. The wheels don’t need to be “the highest quality” since all they do is roll.
Before I dive into the options, please know that I am not against expensive boards at all. I simply think that you should get the most appropriate setup for your particular needs and budget. If you have the money and the need for a high-end complete, then it makes sense to go that route. I will make a separate guide on more expensive boards that are worth the money later on.
Sector 9 Nica
cheap longboard
The Sector 9 Nica is a 39.75-inch long, 9.37-inch wide pintail longboard, making it a very affordable entry from the brand. This deck features a clear griptape to show off its vertically laminated (vert-lam) bamboo construction. With 5 plies of wood, it is strong yet very flexible. The flexibility enhances comfort and adds a bit of a bounce to the ride. The board also includes sanded wheel wells to prevent wheel bite, and can hold riders up to 230lbs. This makes it a solid option for a wide range of riders. Despite the great features, the length of the deck might make it cumbersome for some. I highly recommend pairing this with a TGM undercarriage, as its wider build works well with a wider undercarriage.
Check it out on Amazon and learn more about its price here.
Arbor Zeppelin
Arbor Zeppelin Longboard
The smallest and most expensive option on my list is the Arbor Zeppelin. It comes in at 32 inches long and 9 inches wide, making it a compact board. The Zeppelin features both drop through and top mount truck options, letting you experiment with your style of skating. The drop through option facilitates easy pushing and braking and is ideal for cruising, while the top mount option feels better for carving. The board is made with 7-ply American maple and features a very visually pleasing graphic. It does go slightly over the $100 budget when combined with trucks, but I think it’s a worthwhile investment. The TGM 180mm undercarriage package is recommended for this board.
Check it out on Amazon.com for more details and current pricing.
Riviera Dawn Patrol
Riviera Dawn Patrol Longboard Deck
The Riviera Dawn Patrol is a 41-inch long, 10-inch wide board with a generous amount of space. The width makes it a great choice if you are looking for something that has loads of real estate. Because of its size, the board is not the easiest to maneuver and may be heavy to carry. The board is constructed with 8 plies of maple, which results in a stiff deck suitable for downhill skating. While the stiffness offers strength, it may cause you to feel vibrations from the road if you are not skating on a smooth surface. I recommend pairing this deck with a TGM undercarriage due to its width.
See the Dawn Patrol and check its current price on Amazon.com.
Arbor Mission
Arbor Mission Longboard Deck
With a 35-inch length and 8.4-inch width, the Arbor Mission is one of the best-looking boards on the list. It uses 7-ply maple and is covered in clear grip tape to highlight its beautiful wood finish. The 7-ply maple allows for a flexible, comfortable ride. The board has a kicktail, allowing you to perform kickturns and even ollies. Because the board is a bit narrow, I recommend it to people with smaller feet. I recommend the 150mm Paris undercarriage to go with it because of its narrow width.
Click here to see the Arbor Mission’s price on Amazon.com.
Sector 9 Swamis
Sector 9 Swamis Longboard
Very similar to the Sector 9 Nica, the Sector 9 Swamis also features 5-ply vert-lam bamboo for a comfortable, flexible ride. The Swamis also has clear griptape. The deck is 34-inches long and 8.4-inches wide, and includes a kicktail for added maneuverability. The board is affordably priced, making it a good deal if you’re looking for a flexible board. The smaller width of this board makes it best for kids or people with smaller feet. It is recommended to pair with a smaller undercarriage, like the Paris option, to maximize its turning capability.
Click here to check it out on Amazon.com for pricing and availability.
Choosing the Right Undercarriage
Complete undercarriages have all the necessary components like trucks, wheels, and bearings, to get you rolling right away. Here are a couple of recommendations to consider with the decks outlined above.
TGM Undercarriage
TGM Longboard Undercarriage
The TGM undercarriage comes with high-quality, 180mm Paris 50-degree trucks, which are well-known for their great performance in cruising, carving, and dancing. You’ll find that the quality is way above the generic trucks on most complete boards. The package includes standard bearings, nuts, and bolts. The wheels are 82a with a large core, meaning they roll quickly and are light in weight.
You can find the TGM undercarriage on Amazon.com. Check out pricing here.
Paris Undercarriage
Paris Longboard Undercarriage
This option also includes high-quality trucks, the same from the TGM undercarriage, but these trucks are narrower at 150mm. These narrower trucks are better suited for narrower boards like the Sector 9 Swamis or the Arbor Mission. I don’t recommend using this option on wider decks, or you may get wheel bite. The undercarriage features generic 70mm wheels that are appropriate for cruising, and available in a variety of colors. Check out the Paris undercarriage on Amazon.com.
Don’t Forget the Skate Tool
You’ll need a skate tool to put your new longboard together. If you have a set of spanners, pliers, and screwdrivers at home, you won’t have to buy this. Otherwise, I recommend the Zeato skate tool on Amazon.com.
Understanding the Value of Buying in Parts
So, why is it sometimes better to buy your longboard in parts? The secret to getting high quality for under $100 is knowing where to spend your money, and where not to.
- Cost Savings: Buying longboards in parts is usually cheaper than a complete setup (unless you catch a huge sale). Most premium completes feature premium parts and a high price tag. Buying separately allows you to avoid overpaying for parts you don’t need.
- Prioritizing Quality: By purchasing individual parts, you have control over what you are spending your money on. You don’t need top-of-the-line wheels, bolts, or bearings for cruising; Generic versions are often sufficient. When your budget is tight, spend your money on quality decks and trucks.
- Affordability Through Sacrifice: The key to affordability is knowing where to sacrifice. When building a custom board, you might save a lot of money by buying generic parts for wheels, bolts, and bearings. If your goal is cruising around, these parts are not critical.
The Truth About “Budget” Complete Longboards
Many people often wonder why complete longboards under $100 are as good as those costing $50.
- Marketing and Profit: These boards often have the same generic trucks, wheels, and deck materials, but the difference is the marketing and markup by various companies. Some are priced cheap to sell higher volumes, while others are priced higher to make a bigger profit without needing to sell as many.
- Premium vs. Generic: Higher-end completes, that usually cost $120+, are from companies that really care about quality. This is something that you have to research though. Be sure to read as many product reviews as possible.
Which Longboard Parts Need High-Quality?
When you are looking for a board in the under $100 price range, you will need to prioritize quality in the deck and the trucks. If you plan to simply cruise around, then the wheels, bearings, nuts, and bolts are not as crucial. Your wheels should be 66-70mm for a smooth ride.
- Deck: A good deck ensures a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
- Trucks: High-quality trucks will provide stability and a smooth turning experience.
This is what makes the combinations that I’ve shown in this guide good value. You will get a high-quality deck and trucks without paying for premium parts that you might not need.
Other Affordable Options
Here are some other methods for getting a longboard on a budget.
- Second-Hand Longboards: You could also look at buying a quality, second-hand longboard. This will guarantee that you’re getting something great for your money. Reddit’s r/longboarding is a good starting point for finding second-hand longboards.
- Save Up: Ultimately, saving more will likely get you a better quality product. Boards that cost more than $100+ are usually worth their value, and come with a higher quality of material and components. Always be sure to pay attention to which brands are selling the board.
Putting It All Together
My favorite longboard on the list is the Arbor Zeppelin. It’s compact, and I love that it’s wide enough to accommodate my big feet. It’s easily the best board on this list.
Remember, finding the right longboard can be tough, but by knowing that buying in parts is a solid option. Always pay attention to quality and remember that you have more than one way to find the right setup for yourself. You can go with a pre-assembled complete, or create a custom one on your own.
